12 Unusual Dining Customs For You To Be Aware Of Before Your Next Trip

Food is the best part of a trip. Don’t you agree? However, every country has its own set of food customs that you cannot even imagine in your wildest dreams. As a tourist, it is often a good idea to be acquainted with these customs so that you do not offend anyone. Read our list to know how to eat like a local in a foreign land.

1. China

Finishing the food on your plate is considered rude in China. Even if you find the meal delicious, it is important that you leave a small portion behind. This is a way of complimenting the host that he/she has fed you enough. 

China, Strange Food Customs Around The World
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2. Japan

It is an act of rudeness to pass food using a chopstick while dining in Japan. They believe that bones are passed the same way during a funeral. Thus, nobody wants to be reminded of death and funerals while having a peaceful meal.

Japan, Strange Food Customs Around The World
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3. Thailand

In Thailand, using the fork for putting the food in the mouth is often looked upon. Here, the fork can only be used to push the food on the spoon and that is all. In case, if you want to eat food with the fork, think again when in Thailand! Hmm, I wonder how they eat noodles. 

Thailand, Strange Food Customs Around The World
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4. South Korea

In South Korea, you cannot start eating before the oldest member has taken a bite. You are also supposed to follow the eating pace of the eldest person. This is considered a sign of respect. Sit back, relax and wait for the eldest one to start.

South Korea, Strange Food Customs Around The World
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5. India

Eating with your left hand is considered a taboo in India. Here it is believed that the right hand is reserved for noble pursuits while the left hand is used for cleaning the body. Seems strange right?

India, Strange Food Customs Around The World
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6. Egypt

Asking for a salt shaker is a bad idea in Egypt. It is a way of telling the chef that the food lacks sufficient flavours and requires more seasoning. So, it is always better to eat in silence or you might disappoint your host. 

Egypt, Strange Food Customs Around The World
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7. Chile

Never use your hands while eating in Chile because food should always be eaten with the cutlery. The whole concept sounds really hygienic. But how can you satiate your craving for chicken drumstick with a knife and fork in hand? 

Chile, Strange Food Customs Around The World
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8. Italy

Asking for cheese with seafood is a great faux pas in Italy. It is considered a deadly sin to mix the cheese with the fish. But if you are in a major tourist destination, you might not be subject to unfriendly glances. Don't let the chefs throw some shade on you.

Italy, Strange Food Customs Around The World
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9. The United Kingdom

While stirring tea or coffee, never let the spoon touch the sides of the cup. And after you are done stirring, the spoon must be left on the saucer. In case your spoon hits the cup and makes a tinkling noise it might not incite outrage, but people will know that you are a tourist. And cue those judgemental glances.

The United Kingdom, Strange Food Customs Around The World
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10. Ethiopia

Be prepared to share the food when in Ethiopia. They offer large portion sizes, sufficient enough to feed an entire family. Ethiopians do not like wasting food and this is the best thing that they can do. Well, the more the merrier, right?

Ethiopia, Strange Food Customs Around The World
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11. Russia

If you put your hand on the lap while eating, it is a bad manner in Russia. You can put them on the table or anywhere else but not on the lap. So, think before you eat, when in Russia.

Russia, Strange Food Customs Around The World
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12. Tanzania

In Tanzania, being on time for your meal is an insult to the host. If you want to be polite, show up late and they will appreciate the gesture. Sounds like a dream, doesn't it?

Tanzania, Strange Food Customs Around The World
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Now that you know about these strange food customs, beat those hunger pangs in a more 'culturally acceptable' way and travel the world!

This post was published by Atreyee Dutta

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